you should definitly do it in a team of at least 3 if this is your 1st race. That way you can crank hard for a lap or 2, then have a couple hours off, and pull of the race that way. Figure out who is a better night rider before hand- and that person should do more riding at night then any other time.
They are a fun time, especially with a large group. One thing I would recomend is having a buddy who is not racing come to wrench and cook for you- cause you ane not going to feel like doing that stuff....
Ive got a Misfit Psycles SS custom built, Surly Pugsly, and just sold my Blur LT (to small) but getting a Trek Remedy 9